MLK Day 2019: Stories Of Racial Progress In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Sometimes it seems like stories about racial strife dominate the news in the Garden State. But according to a recent report, New Jersey is among the states that are making the most racial progress in the nation.

In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21, financial information provider WalletHub released a list of “2019’s States with the Most Racial Progress.” On their list, New Jersey ranked #6, below only Wyoming (#1), Texas (#2), New Mexico (#3), Georgia (#4) and Mississippi (#5).

Researchers shared the following details about their methodology:

“To measure America’s progress in harmonizing racial groups, WalletHub measured the gaps between blacks and whites across 22 key indicators of equality and integration in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The data set ranges from median annual income to standardized-test scores to voter turnout.”

Other factors included “employment and wealth,” “education,” “social and civic engagement” and “health.” (See the full report here)

The results don’t take all racial groups into consideration, researchers cautioned:

“This report examines the differences between only blacks and whites in light of the high-profile police brutality incidents that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement and the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who played a prominent role in the civil rights movement to end segregation and discrimination against blacks.”

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Check out some recent stories involving racial progress in Essex County (click headlines to read story). Want to share a story about people of different backgrounds learning to live in harmony? Send it to eric.kiefer@patch.com.

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